Full Breakdown
Years Recalls Fresh Dog Meals Over Buckwheat-Linked Eye Concerns
8/20/2026, 12:01:57 PM
Recall Announcement and Immediate Action
Years — a UK subscription service for fresh, personalised dog meals — issued a voluntary recall of all Years Fresh Meals (excluding the Chef’s Collection) on August 17. Owners were told to stop feeding the meals, not to donate or sell any remaining product, and to pause subscriptions for six weeks while reformulated meals using quinoa are prepared. Unused food will be collected free of charge and customers will receive a full credit.
Background: Buckwheat Introduction and Emerging Reports
Buckwheat was added to Years’ recipes earlier this year. In late July, the company began receiving reports of sudden bilateral dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, KCS) in dogs, with most cases appearing after August 12.
Timeline
- Late July – First cluster of eye-related reports received.
- August 1 – An independent veterinarian and an RCVS specialist said a link to Years food was “unlikely” but advised further investigation.
- August 12 – Surge in cases linked to the buckwheat-containing formula.
- August 16 – Years reported 57 suspected cases, about 0.1 % of its roughly 40,000 customers.
- August 17 – Company announced the voluntary recall.
- August 18 – Reports rose to 192 customers with potential eye problems.
- August 19 – Recall notice updated to note ongoing laboratory testing.
- August 20 – No conclusive laboratory result had been published.
Data & Statistics
- 192 customers reported potential eye issues as of August 18.
- Buckwheat accounts for 6.3 %–7.2 % of the fresh-meal recipes.
Official Statements & Responses
The independent veterinarian and RCVS specialist who reviewed the data on August 1 concluded that, based on available information, a direct link between the food and the eye condition was “unlikely,” but they recommended that Years continue its investigation.
On-the-Ground Reports
David Felton of Edgware said his six-year-old spaniel cross, Cookie, developed bilateral dry eye after two-and-a-half years on Years meals, incurring £1,500 in veterinary expenses.
Jenny Baker of East London described her eight-year-old pug, Peanut, as “unable to open his eyes” after eating the buckwheat formula, leading to hospitalisation for corneal ulcers and costs of roughly £2,800.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Potential link vs. unlikely link: Years’ internal review points to buckwheat as a possible factor, while the independent vet and RCVS specialist deemed a direct link “unlikely.”
- No conclusive laboratory evidence: As of August 20, analyses have not confirmed buckwheat contamination, heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticides, or drug residues as the cause.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When recall news appears, it is natural for owners to reassess what they are feeding their pet.” — Lucy Kershaw, Pets Corner
- “We're sorry for the worry and disruption this will cause – both for the dogs affected and to all of our customers.” — Years spokesperson
What’s Next
Years has appointed a toxicologist and a root-cause specialist to lead formal investigations. Findings will be published once completed, and meals will continue to be reformulated with quinoa. Customers are urged to monitor dogs for symptoms such as excessive blinking, squinting, pawing at the eyes, thick discharge, or general ocular discomfort and to contact a veterinarian promptly, mentioning the recall.
